Structure and function of vegetative organs of Campylocentrum grisebachii Cogn

Young stems and leaves are vegetative organs usually responsible for plant's photosynthesis. However, the absense of any of these shows an extreme adaptation in the living habit of this species. There are few studies with the seedlings development in species that show this kind of reduction. Campylocentrum grisebachii Cogn. is an orchid which in it's adult phase is leafless and only has a very condensed stem from where it's roots emerge. In this species, the roots are the organs responsible for the major photosyntesis production. This study proposes to understand the structure of the vegetative organs of C. grisebachii, starting with the apical meristems installation and the seedling development. Also, comparing the obtained results with the anatomical structures found in the adult plant, the insertion and role of the roots and how does the small stem structure develops and grows.